Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders

Ouellette & Associates
Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders

Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders, is a podcast for CxOs and industry leaders looking to hear conversations that unpack the leadership philosophies, decision making thought processes and unique expressions that differentiate the best. If you’re looking to gain an edge, instill new mindsets, and move out of your comfort zone, you’ve found the right community. Welcome to Tech Whisperers!

  1. The Augmented CIO: 10 Skills of Game Changing Leadership in the GenAI Era

    5 MAR

    The Augmented CIO: 10 Skills of Game Changing Leadership in the GenAI Era

    With the rise of generative AI, CIOs and IT leaders are experiencing a leadership revolution. GenAI is shaking up both how we engage with technology and how leaders guide their organizations through adoption, governance, and innovation.  We are thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with Institute for the Future’s Bob Johansen and Gabe Cervantes and Handshake’s Jeremy Kirshbaum, whose new book “Leaders Make the Future, Third Edition: 10 New Skills to Humanize Leadership with Generative AI” is out this week. Be among the first to dive into this game-changing resource designed to give leaders clarity on how to lead through this period of rapid digital transformation.  Join us as we explore the key themes from the book, including: Future-back vs. present-forward thinkingHow to augment your leadership styleThe industry’s transition from “VUCA” to “BANI” (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible)Opportunities the GenAI era presents to rehumanize leadershipHow to embrace AI ethically while maintaining human-centric leadership You may remember Bob Johansen from his last visit to the podcast as part of a bonus episode back in 2023. You won't want to miss his latest future-focused insights! Featuring submitted questions from: Dr. Lisa Palmer, CEO, Dr Lisa AI,Bhaskar Ramachandran, VP of IT, CIO, PPGWill Markow, SVP of Workforce Solutions, CyberWarrior.comMartha Heller, CEO, Heller Search Associates

    1h 11m

  2. 19 FEB

    Empowering Teammates and Building Tomorrow’s Digital Workforce: Amy Brady’s Tech, Banking & Community Leadership

    In this episode, we are featuring an extraordinary leader who's been blazing trails and inspiring countless others throughout her career. Amy Brady is the Chief Information Officer at KeyBank, where she leads the company's technology, operations, and services organizations. Amy is the epitome of a leader who can seemingly do it all, and because of that she is making her mark across the industry while continually championing causes that uplift women in tech.  We're diving into Amy's incredible career journey, uncovering her leadership philosophies, and highlighting those career-defining moments and superpowers that make her so special and impactful.  Join us as we explore insights from Amy’s leadership playbook, including: How and why to embrace new roles, even when you don’t feel readyAmy’s advice on developing your skills as a public speakerThe importance of maintaining a continuous learning mindsetAmy’s lessons learned from experiences early in her career Featuring submitted questions from: Marc Gordon, Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting GroupKeith Silvestri, Chief Technology Officer, KeyBankMike Onders, EVP & CIO, KeyBankStan Brady, Amy’s HusbandJim Merlino, MD, EVP & Chief Innovation Officer, The Joint CommissionCaroline Eberle, Gartner Business Development Executive

    1 hr
  3. Nationwide’s Jim Fowler on the CIO's Good to Great Journey

    5 FEB

    Nationwide’s Jim Fowler on the CIO's Good to Great Journey

    One of the hallmarks of a great Chief Technology Officer is that they are able to translate a passion for technology into a driving force for business success. Nationwide’s Jim Fowler is a CTO who does exactly that, by striving for “great” instead of settling for “good.”  We are unpacking Jim’s 20+ years of experience across industries, companies, and countries to learn lessons from his career journey and his strengths as a visionary leader that can help CIOs and IT leaders at all levels achieve greatness.  Join us as we explore Jim’s leadership playbook and learn: How Jim balances operational excellence with visionary leadershipHow to bounce back from failureThe power of storytellingHow Nationwide has built and maintained a high-performing technology organizationThe personal hobby Jim applies to recognize outstanding team members Featuring submitted questions from: Monica Caldas, EVP & Global Chief Information Officer, Liberty Mutual Insurance & Tech Whisperers Guest Ep. 59Ehren Powell, Chief Digital Officer, Marathon PetroleumDavid Burns, Chief Information Officer, GE AerospaceAngelica Tritzo, CIO & EVP Digital Technologies, GE VernovaMisty Kuamoo CIO of Corporate Technology, NationwideCaroline Eberle, Garter Business Development ExecutiveJoey Fowler, Jim’s Daughter

    1h 1m
  4. Kathy Kay: Building Possibilities and Enabling Growth at Principal Financial Group

    22 JAN

    Kathy Kay: Building Possibilities and Enabling Growth at Principal Financial Group

    This episode we’re shining the light on Kathy Kay, a leader whose name is synonymous with “building” — and she is a builder in every sense of the word. Kathy not only excels at developing high-performance teams, she extends that builder mindset across multiple areas in both her personal and professional lives. In a wide-ranging conversation, Kathy is sharing how she applies her philosophy of building to her current role as EVP & CIO at Principal Financial Group. We’ll explore her strengths in building courage, collaboration, community, innovation, and family as she lives out a leadership style that balances personal and professional success. Tune in to learn: How to simplify complex projects for your teamHow to ensure your team is aligned with the overall corporate strategyHow to maintain optimism and keep your team energizedKathy’s plans for using AI and cloud innovation to enable business growthKathy’s insights about the human impact of AIAnd more! Featuring submitted questions from: Dan Houston, Chairman & CEO (Ret.), Principal Financial GroupAnil Cheriyan, Board Member & 3x CIO, Tech Whisperers Guest Ep. 55Ryan Downing, CIO, Enterprise Business Solutions, Principal Financial GroupJen Hartsock, Chief Information & Digital Officer, CargillRajesh Arora, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Principal Financial GroupLance Henning, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Des Moines Habitat for HumanityBrian Waller, President, Technology Association of IowaMackenzie Keogh, Kathy’s DaughterJackson Keogh, Kathy's 2-Year Old Grandson

    52 min
  5. A Career of Answer the Call Moments with Zack Hicks

    8 JAN

    A Career of Answer the Call Moments with Zack Hicks

    Inducted in the CIO Hall of Fame in 2019, Zack Hicks is a leader who has left a major impact on the CIO profession through his relentless pursuit of innovation to drive new business outcomes. Having previously been the CEO of Toyota Connected and the Chief Digital Officer at Toyota Motor North America, Zack is now making his mark at Kimberly-Clark as their Chief Digital & Technology Officer. With a career that includes numerous “answer-the-call” moments, Zack knows what it takes for leaders to deliver major wins for their organizations. In this episode, we’re unpacking some of those key moments that have defined Zack’s career and set him apart as a true industry innovator and disruptor. Tune in to learn: What led Zack to join Kimberly-Clark after 26 years with ToyotaHow Zack approaches his role at Kimberly-ClarkHow Zack overcame a variety of challenges at Toyota early in his careerThe key to balancing people and technology amid the rise of AI The skills tech leaders need in order to build trust in a digital transformation journey Featuring submitted questions from: Brian Kursar, Group VP & Head of Enterprise AI, Toyota Motor North AmericaBarbara Cooper, Retired CIOGreg Beckwith, Director & Chief of Staff, Kimberly-ClarkTeresa Miquelarena, VP, Global Information & Digital Strategy, Kimberly-ClarkDeena Dayalan, Head of Digital Operations in Bangalore, Kimberly-Clark

    36 min
  6. Talking Tech, Digital & Strategy with Tractor Supply’s Rob Mills

    18/12/2024

    Talking Tech, Digital & Strategy with Tractor Supply’s Rob Mills

    While many CIOs are busy figuring out what the CIO’s role looks like today, our guest this week is already answering the question, “What does the CIO of tomorrow look like?”  As EVP and Chief Information, Digital, and Corporate Strategy Officer at Tractor Supply Co., Rob Mills has been instrumental in driving the $14.6 billion retailer’s rapid growth, profitability, and world class customer experience. His influence and impact are expansive: He has a hand in P&L, serves on Tractor Supply’s executive committee, and also sits on numerous public and private boards. Join us as we talk tech, digital, and strategy with Rob and learn about: The evolution of the CIO’s roleHow to lead through digital transformationHow Tractor Supply handles customer experience and store supportHow tech leaders can balance speed and accuracyThe differences between empowerment and delegation and how to balance both Featuring submitted questions from: Mike Seals, Chief Digital Officer & SVP of Strategy, Hussman CorporationChris Colla, Chief Technology Officer, B&G FoodsHal Lawton, President & CEO, Tractor Supply Co.Joy Brown, SVP & CDO, Boston Medical Center, Board Director, Tractor Supply Co.Brandon Jacobson, VP of Corporate Strategy, Tractor Supply Co.

    51 min
  7. Truth Telling with 7X CIO Mark Settle

    04/12/2024

    Truth Telling with 7X CIO Mark Settle

    There are some Tech Whisperers who leave a legacy by investing their skills in just one or two companies across their career, and then there are those who leave their legacy by making their mark on several organizations throughout their career. As a whopping seven-time CIO and a three-time winner of the CIO100 Award, Mark Settle is a standout example of the latter.  During his CIO journey, Mark somehow also made the time to publish two must-read books, Truth from the Valley, A Practical Primer on IT Management for the Next Decade and Truth from the Trenches: A Practical Guide to the Art of IT Management. As an expert truth teller, startup adviser, and advisory board member, Mark has mastered the art of helping teams and businesses cut through the fluff to focus on what matters most. In this episode, he’s sharing some of his secret sauce with us. Join us as we unpack Mark’s leadership playbook to learn: How to handle curveballs under pressureHow to effectively utilize discretionary bandwidthHow to navigate organizational politicsStrategies for a CIO’s first 90 daysThe key to becoming a Level 5 leader Featuring submitted questions from: Ralph Loura, Hall of Fame CIO & Chairman of the Board, SustainableIT.orgJulie Cullivan, Board Director, Former Chief Technology & People OfficerCarter Busse, CIO, WorkatoAlvina Antar, Advisor, Board Member, & Former CIO

    59 min
  8. Inspirations from the CIO G.O.A.T., Rob Carter

    13/11/2024

    Inspirations from the CIO G.O.A.T., Rob Carter

    You’re in for a special treat with this episode as we sit down with the GOAT, the greatest-of-all-time CIO, Robert B. Carter. Rob served as the CIO of FedEx for almost a quarter of a century, during which time he transformed IT strategy and led the company to unprecedented success, not to mention 27 straight CIO 100 Awards. In this episode, we’re delving into Rob’s extraordinary 24-year tenure at FedEx and exploring the essence of leadership, the importance of humility, the role of mentorship, and the challenges and milestones that have defined his remarkable career. Join us as we unpack Rob’s expansive digital leadership playbook to learn: How Rob kept himself energized at FedEx for such a long durationHow mentors impacted his careerWhat it takes to be a successful technology executiveHow effective leaders balance personal and professional priorities A peak into what Rob has planned next! Featuring submitted questions from: Charlie Feld, CEO & Founder, Feld Group InstituteRachel Harvey, Rob Carter’s Executive Assistant for 31 years Ken Spangler, Co-Founder, AdaptiveIONDottie Berry, Chief of Staff to Rob CarterMike Glenn, EVP Market Development & Corp Communications (ret.), FedExChris Winton, SVP HR, Comcast; Board Member, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

    1h 32m
See All (70)

Trailer

About

Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders, is a podcast for CxOs and industry leaders looking to hear conversations that unpack the leadership philosophies, decision making thought processes and unique expressions that differentiate the best. If you’re looking to gain an edge, instill new mindsets, and move out of your comfort zone, you’ve found the right community. Welcome to Tech Whisperers!

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign-in or sign-up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada